Question

What formula is available to calculate projector lumens vs screen size

Asked by: Galatica

How can I determine the amount of projector lumens needed for specific screen sizes. Is there a formula and also how would I determine the light output with relation to f-stop on the lens used. need various lumen output needed for large screen presentations 20ft and above.

Thanks

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Asked On
2009-08-19 at 09:09:27ID24665313
Tags

Calculating projector lumens

,

Projectors

Topics

Computer Displays / Monitors

,

Math & Science

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Answers

 

by: lherrouPosted on 2009-08-19 at 11:07:20ID: 25135538

Galatica,

The brightness of a projector is measured in footlamberts, defined as lumens of light output / square foot. Another common measure of brightness is cd/m2 = candela / square meter = footlamberts * 3.43.

So, what does this mean, once you have the number? Well, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) recommends 12-22 footlamberts (41 - 75 cd/m2). However, that standard is intended primarily for movie theaters (in other words, mostly dark). In a room with dim lighting (during a presentation, for example) you may need a brighter output.  A LCD TV can output as much as 110-120 footlamberts, which is why you can view it even with overhead lights on, etc.

You might also find the following calculator helpful:
http://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm

Cheers,
LHerrou

 

by: mikelfritzPosted on 2009-08-20 at 19:49:27ID: 25148797

lherruo,

Perfect answer in my opinion.

If I set up a "mostly dark" room for movie viewing, would the 110-120 LCD output be bad or offputting?  Or is more always better?  This is just for my edification.

 

by: CallandorPosted on 2009-08-21 at 08:03:42ID: 25152568

Too bright a picture in a dark room can cause eye fatigue and reduces the enjoyment, not to mention color balance may suffer.  Theater display devices should be calibrated to render colors accurately, or you may see skin with blue-green tints.  Most displays do not track linearly as you increase brightness.

 

by: lherrouPosted on 2009-08-21 at 08:17:33ID: 25152707

>> would the 110-120 LCD output be bad or offputting?

It depends in part on the viewing distance from the screen, light falls off in inverse proportion to the square of the distance. It also depends on the contrast ratio of the device - it may be perceived as "too bright" if the contrast ratio is low, such that the viewer does not see a "true black" given the luminosity of the source. And, as Callandor says, the colors may not be true. But, the flip side of all of that is that the human eye is a marvelously adaptive thing, and also if the source is bright enough, it will raise the ambient light in the room.

 

by: VBANPosted on 2009-11-26 at 21:31:44ID: 25919004

What size is the screen?

Does the room have windows?

If so are there shades on the windows?  

If so are the shades 100% blackout, 50% or other specify?

What content do you want to show on the screen?

How many lights are in the room and what type are they, i.e. single ballast dimming flourescent, double ballast, incandescent cans, etc.?

What is the distance between the screen and the closest viewer/furthest viewer?

What is the ceiling height?

Answer these questions and I'll make a recommendation.


 

by: lherrouPosted on 2009-12-30 at 20:06:02ID: 26151660

I recommend Accept LHerrou #25135538

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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